The battle will be on come Saturday, January 26, as the Meadowlands Racetrack will be hosting its fourth annual Homestyle Chili Cook Off.

As of January 15, twenty-three contestants have been registered to compete for the $1,000 grand prize plus a spot in the International Chili Society’s World Championship cook off in Reno, Nevada.

There will also be a $500 prize for second place and $250 cash prize for the third-place chili.

Homestyle chili is defined by the International Chili Society as any kind of meat/combination of meats and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, chili powders, various spices and other ingredients. Beans are required. Contestants must cook their chili on site between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. with judging promptly after.

Chili cooks can still register for the January 26 cook off here.

The 2017 Meadowlands winner, Joseph Callahan, went on to win the 2017 International Chili Society’s World Championship for his Homestyle chili and took home the $4,000 prize.

“This has become a must-attend event to kick off the year,” said Meadowlands General Manager and COO Jason M. Settlemoir. “We are excited to see how our Homestyle Chili Cook Off has grown and are really looking forward to tasting some delicious chili!”

Racetrack guests are also welcome to sample the chili and vote for their favourite. The fan favourite cook will walk away with the $250 prize. Fan favourite voting will begin at 7:30 p.m. Voting ballots will be available at the Players Club Desk and in the live racing program.

In addition to the chili competition, a separate side contest for homemade salsa will also be conducted and will offer the winner a $500 first prize.

As an added bonus, fans can enjoy live harness racing (first-race post time will be at 7:15 p.m.).

Click here for complete chili event details.

(Meadowlands Racetrack)